We are still feeling the excitement of Peterborough’s first Inclusion Conference! On April 26 and 27, we teamed up with the Council for Persons with Disabilities to host Inclusion Conference 2013 at Fleming College. Over 100 people attended to learn about accessibility and diversity and celebrate achievements in making Peterborough an inclusive community.

On Friday morning, Diane Dupuy motivated us with the story of how she started the Famous PEOPLE Players. Bullied by her peers, Diane created her own friends to talk and play with, like her magic talking horse.

“You have to believe in yourself before other people can believe in you,” said Diane.

By remaining determined to prove to herself that her imagination is a gift to share, Diane became a puppeteer and recruited others to join her in creating the Famous PEOPLE Players.

Feeling inspired to hone our own skills in creating inclusive communities, everyone was eager to start their first workshop session. Cliff, Carole Ann, and Christine from Art de Triomphe taught us how materials from nature can be dipped in paint to create beautiful patterns on construction paper. Meanwhile, Peter Grande showed people the accessible car from MV-1 Canada. This cool car has a spacious interior and accessible ramp.

During the Appreciation Luncheon, the Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities gave awards to employers and service providers who are showing a commitment to inclusion in Peterborough. Mayor Daryl Bennett presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Falls of Bob’s Watch Repair. Congratulations to all the winners!

HUI Chair John McNutt also announced that construction is underway for Peterborough's first Centre for Independent Living. Read The Peterborough Examiner's coverage of the new Centre for Independent Living here.

We were entertained by the music of John Morris and Washboard Hank before another great meal prepared by Fleming Food Services for dinner.

Everyone gathered in the main theatre again on Saturday morning for a special presentation about accommodations in the workplace by Lisa Belcourt and Peter McSherry. More sessions took place after that, including a fitness workshop and a digital storytelling presentation on women and disabilities.

When Inclusion Conference 2013 wrapped up on Saturday afternoon, we were sad to say goodbye to new friends, but the success of this first conference ensures there will be more to come!

We thank all our sponsors, presenters, and volunteers for helping us build a community where everyone’s abilities are recognized and appreciated. As one employer aptly put it during the luncheon, people may have special needs, but they also have special talents. Inclusion means we create environments where all those talents can shine!

Read The Peterborough Examiner's coverage of the Appreciation Luncheon here.

Heads Up for Inclusion was a proud participant in the fifth annual People First Peterborough Annual Conference on April 11. The Living Hope Church was filled with cheers and laughter, courtesy of comedian Alan Shain. He taught us that it’s ok to laugh at ourselves and not take life too seriously. He also inspired us to appreciate our different abilities and use our experiences to do something positive.

“If it wasn’t for my disability, I’d just be another guy up here with a bad haircut,” joked Alan. “Without my disability, I’d have nothing to say.”

Next, we broke off into our workshop groups. Activities included making Thank-You cards, learning how to volunteer, and sharing the gift of laughter. This was a great opportunity to meet people and share knowledge.

After lunch, People First President and HUI Workshop Facilitator Daniel Lombardi, along with Nicole and Katlynn Hewitt from the Amigos Program at Kenner CVI talked about inclusion and how to give back to the community.

“Being a friend might seem like a small thing, but it can make a huge difference,” Katlynn told the audience.

Everyone was excited to share their own examples of how to give back, like baking cookies for someone, picking up garbage outside, or volunteering at a soup kitchen.

“Did you know you’re never too old to learn?” Daniel asked the audience. “Share knowledge and try new things.”

Daniel, Nicole, and Katlynn taught everyone three easy steps that we can take to make someone feel included.

1. Don’t be afraid to smile and say “Hello.”
2. Take the time to get to know someone.
3. Be a creative communicator and thinker.

Great tips! The Amigos program teaches students to use these skills to create inclusive environments at school. Katlynn explained that in her experience, Amigos learn to make every community a place where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. We all left feeling encouraged and inspired to make our communities more inclusive.

We enjoyed another workshop session and cake before the closing ceremonies, where Daniel, Katlynn, and Nicole received gifts of appreciation.

Thanks to People First Peterborough for inviting Heads Up for Inclusion to be a part of your Annual Conference! We made new friends and shared lots of knowledge and laughter. We hope to see everyone again at the Inclusion Conference, April 26 and 27 at Fleming College!

See more photos on our Facebook page!

It's time to start getting your team together for the Amazing Race! Since this is a race for inclusion, we're asking students to partner with local businesses and organizations to complete challenges around downtown Peterborough. Businesses and community members can sponsor a team and volunteer two staff members to partner on a team with two students.

You can also help out by providing in-kind donations that will be used for race materials, prizes, and the race-day barbecue - 1:30 p.m. at Nicholls Oval Park. Contact us for more details!

Click here to view and print the Amazing Race poster!

There’s still snow on the ground, but Heads Up for Inclusion is getting set to kick-off the summer with the Amazing Race!  On May 25, 2013, students and members of the community will complete a series of fun challenges aimed at promoting inclusion in Peterborough.

“This will be an Amazing Race like no other,” says Caitlin Dunham, HUI’s program and outreach co-ordinator. She says HUI is looking for students, organizations, and businesses to form teams, representing all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

“This is a way for Peterborough to come together and show that we’re a community that appreciates diversity and works together to remove barriers,” says Dunham. Community members and businesses are encouraged to help support teams through sponsorship and donations.

“We really want everyone to be able to participate in this event and feel included,” says Dunham. “We need community support to make the Amazing Race a success.”

Participants will work in teams of four to complete tasks and play games at various locations in downtown Peterborough. They’ll be challenged to use teamwork to tackle barriers and obstacles to mobility around the city.

So, do you have what it takes? E-mail Caitlin Dunham for information on how to get involved and check out HUI’s Twitter feed and Facebook page for more updates.

Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to support the Amazing Race as sponsors and donors. The race starts at 10 a.m. on May 25 at Peterborough Square. Join racers, HUI staff, and volunteers to celebrate with a barbeque and awards after the race, 1:00 p.m. at Nicholls Oval Park.

Print this news release.

Caitlin Dunham

Program and Outreach

Co-ordinator

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